Ronald "Butch" Ray Elmore

Ronald Ray "Butch / Papaw" Elmore

Ronald Ray "Butch / Papaw" Elmore was born in Greenville, Texas, on April 7, 1947, to Bill and Lawanda Elmore. He was called home on July 1, 2010. Butch was 63 years old.

Butch grew up on a farm between Commerce and Campbell, Texas, where he developed a very strong work ethic and a love / appreciation for the outdoors that remained with him his entire life.

He graduated from Commerce High School and attended East Texas State University. Butch married his High School Sweetheart, Sandra Ann Baron, on June 18, 1965, where they resided in Commerce.

He began his professional career at the age of 19 as a junior draftsman for Ling-Temco in Greenville, Texas. The company changed names several times as did Butch's titles and responsibilities. He held the position of Electrical / Liaison Engineer and most recently was a Technical Consulting Editor / Writer for L-3 Communications.

He welcomed a challenge and took great pride in meeting deadlines, problem solving and supporting his co-workers. His co-workers were his extended family; and, he treated them as such.

Butch was a very dedicated employee at L-3 Communications / Raytheon / Ling-Temco for over 44 years. Some of the most memorable projects were his contributions to the Presidential Air Fleet (Air Force One and Air Force Two). These planes were used to safely transport the President of the United States to his many meetings and engagements. The majority of the projects that he worked on was Top Secret and could not be discussed outside of the company.

In addition to working as an Engineer, Butch ran a cow / calf operation for many years where he also cut and bailed hay for himself as well as for the public. This was his passion outside of his family.

From an early age he developed a love for horses. He always had horses when he was a child; and, once married with children, he ensured that each member of the family had their own horse and tack so that the entire family could participate in play days and trail rides. When not working, he really enjoyed hooking on to their travel trailer and heading to the lake. Fishing, camping, sitting by the fire and cooking for the grandkids were just a few of the things that made him happy.

He was a lover of the outdoors and enjoyed preparing, planting and tending to their garden every year.

From time to time he could be found at the bowling alley enjoying a competitive game with his brother and sister-in-law.

He was baptized in Greenville, Texas, and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Commerce, Texas.

Anyone that knew Butch recognized what a fantastic father he was. He took great pride in his 5 children and their accomplishments. He enjoyed helping and supporting his kids with their FFA / 4-H Projects, athletics and any number of activities with which they were involved. His 5 children resulted in 19 grandchildren ranging in age from 1 month old to 21 years old. His grandchildren were very special to him and brought him much happiness.

Butch was a very giving person who never expected anything in return but your friendship. He touched and had a positive influence on many people's lives while on this Earth. He will be deeply missed until reunited once again in Heaven.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Elmore, Uncle James Elmore, Uncle Paul Elmore, and Aunt Ila Elmore.

Butch is survived by his wife, Sandra Ann Baron Elmore; his mother, Lawanda Elmore; his sister, Patricia Ann Elmore Dickens; his 5 children: Felicia Thomas, Daphne Bozarth, Shawn Elmore, Melanie Elmore and Kyle Elmore; his 19 grandchildren; and 3 future great-grandchildren.

The Elmore family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Cancer Centers of America.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m., Monday, July 5, 2010, at Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home in Commerce with Joe Bishop officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 5, 2010 from 10:30 a.m. until service time.

Interment will follow in Sonora Cemetery, Fairlie, Texas.